Cynodon dactylon extract ameliorates cognitive functions and cerebellar oxidative stress in whole body irradiated mice

Objective: To explore the effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Cynodon dactylon on the whole body radiation-induced oxidative status of the cerebellum and cognitive impairments in mice. Methods: Swiss albino mice were randomly divided into the control group, radiation control group, low dose and high dose Cynodon dactylon extract treated groups and pre-treated with Cynodon dactylon extract before irradiation. Cynodon dactylon extract was administered for 7 d daily in low dose(0.25 g/kg) and high dose(1 g/kg). On day 7, mice were irradiated with a sublethal dose of 5 Gy gamma rays. Motor coordination was assessed by elevated rotarod test and spatial memory was studied by water maze test. Subsequently, biochemical markers(glutathione, lipid peroxidation and nitric oxide levels) in the cerebellum were evaluated. Results: The gamma irradiated group showed significant impairment in motor coordination and spatial memory compared to normal mice. Mice treated by Cynodon dactylon extract prior to gamma radiation showed good improvement in both paradigms compared to the radiation control group. Moreover, glutathione level was increased, while lipid peroxidation and nitric oxide levels were significantly reduced in mice receiving low dose and high dose of Cynodon dactylon extract compared to the radiation control group. Conclusions: The present study suggests the neuroprotective role of Cynodon dactylon against radiation-induced cognitive impairment and oxidative stress on the cerebellum of mice.

8 MeV Electron Induced Changes in Structural and Thermal Properties of Lexan Polycarbonate

Lexan polycarbonate films were irradiated by 8MeV electron beam at different fluences and characterized using X-ray Diffractogram (XRD), UV-Visible spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA). The structural parameters such as degree of crystallinity and crystallite size were found to decrease after irradiation due to chain-scission. he UV-Visible spectroscopic study show the formation of chromophore groups upon irradiation and was reduced at larger wavelength. FTIR Study shows the carbonate linkage was found to be the radiation-sensitive linkage and benzene ring does not undergo any changes after irradiation. The DSC studies showed a decrease in glass transition temperature and heat of fusion after irradiation due to chain-scission which indicates polymer was moving towards more disordered state. Thermal decomposition temperature of Lexan polycarbonate increases upon irradiation.